A sheriff deputy who was patrolling the area of Schmidt and Gene Roads in Sage at 1 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 25, smelled a powerful odor of marijuana emanating from the 24000 block of Schmidt Road, officials reported.
(Riverside Sheriff)
The deputy discovered a 3-acre plot of land shielded by a large blue fence.
A sheriff’s helicopter was called in and confirmed the officer’s suspicions that a marijuana farm was in full operation, officials said.
Investigators found 184 huge and mature pot plants and over 150 pounds of dried plants in addition to 5 pounds of marijuana that were ready for sale, Sgt. John Morin said in a sheriff’s press release.
There were also scales and items used to package the cannabis, according to a sheriff’s report.
The estimated street value of the drugs is valued at over $1 million, law enforcement officials stated.
Gang Task Force Members arrived on scene and helped deputies apprehend five suspects:
- Juan Rodas – 19 years
- Bernade Ayala – 23 years
- Bladimir Gonzalea – 22 years
- Juan Seduardo-Hernadez – 23 years
- Juan Miranda – 22 years
Border Patrol agents arrived and placed immigration holds on all five suspects.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Graham at 951-791-3400.
Stephanie D. Schulte is a writer/photographer with SWRNN. She can be reached at stephanie.schulte@swrnn.com.
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American taxpayers are being forced to pay $40 Billion a year for a prohibition that causes 10,000 brutal murders & 800,000 needless arrests every year, but which doesn’t even stop CHILDREN from getting marijuana.
After seventy years of prohibition, it’s obvious that the federal marijuana prohibition causes FAR more harm than good and must END! Drug Dealers Don’t Card, Supermarkets Do.